OFFICIAL SAYS SCHOTT'S SILENCE HURTS STADIUM EFFORT

A Hamilton County official says Reds owner Marge Schott's
"unwillingness" to discuss plans for a new ballpark with civic
leaders could leave her "at the gate behind the Bengals." County
Commissioner Guy Gukenberger urged Schott to meet with the tri-
state task force that plans to recommend next year "how, when and
where at least one new stadium should be built." Schott has
frustrated officials for months by not telling them "what she
specifically wants in a ballpark." Through advisors, Schott's
wishes for a ballpark are said to be "retro-style ballpark" with
a Reds museum and hall of fame. Schott has been "irked" at a
"new and more lucrative lease" the city worked out with the
Bengals; there was no such offer for the Reds. Last week, City
Manager John Shirey said he would "press hard for renewed
negotiations with Schott" and have a deal by January 4 to
"guarantee millions in new income" at Riverfront and get a
timetable to renovate the stadium or build a new park (Richard
Green, CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 12/10).